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AUTHORIZED TRAINING PROVIDER STUDENT WORKBOOK

152 Ergonomic Hazards in Construction

Purpose of this Workbook

This OSHAcademy Student Workbook Version 1.0 is solely intended to facilitate knowledge level information on
the OSHAcademy Course in this workbook. The information in this guide is provided for that purpose and is
subject to change without notice.

This OSHAcademy class is only valid if conducted by an OSHAcademy Authorized Trainer under the supervision of
an OSHAcademy Authorized Training Provider.

Notice of Rights
No part of this OSHAcademy Student Workbook may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval
system, without written permission from Geigle Safety Group, Inc.

Trademarks
OSHAcademy and the OSHAcademy logo are registered trademarks of Geigle Safety Group, Inc.

Disclaimer
OSHAcademy has used reasonable effort to provide up to date and accurate information that conforms to
Occupational Safety and Health Standards and practices in the United States at the time of this publication. Like
most printed material, this publication may become out of date over time.

Copyrights
Copyright © 2016 Geigle Safety Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Published in the United States of
America. Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval
system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

© OSHAcademy Occupational Safety and Health Training

15220 NW Greenbrier Parkway, Suite 230
Beaverton, OR 97006, Phone 971.217.8721• Fax 971.327.6708
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 Table of Contents

Module 1: Ergonomic Risk Factors..................................... 4

Lesson 1.15: MSD Injuries and Disorders ......................................... 5

Module 2: Solutions to Ergonomic Hazards ..................... 7

Lesson 2.24: Safe Lifting Techniques ................................................ 8

Quick Review Answer Key .................................................................. 9
Notepad ............................................................................................ 10

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Module 1: Ergonomic Risk Factors

Key Takeaways:

1)

2)

3)

4)

Quick Review:
1. By what age do most people have their first episode of back pain?

35 40 45 50

2. When does twisting greatly amplify the forces on the lower back during a lift?

During the start During the At the end of At all points of

of a lift middle of the the lift the lift
lift

3. Injury to the elbow is called ______.

Spinal stenosis Epicondylitis Tennis knee Neuropathy

NOTES:___________________________________________________________________________________
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Lesson 1.15: MSD Injuries and Disorders

Instructions: Read the scenarios below and answer the set of questions for each
scenario. When instructed to, discuss answers with your peers as a group.

Scenario #1: Concrete Worker

Concrete workers specialize in building structures from concrete materials. They mix, pour, and finish
concrete for a variety of different construction jobs. Pouring, spreading, and shaping concrete requires
concrete workers to work in a bent over position to make sure they are performing their tasks with precision.
Raking and smoothing concrete surfaces over long periods of time can put strain on their lower backs.
Concrete workers are also responsible for cutting out damaged areas, drilling holes for reinforcing rods, and
positioning rods to repair concrete by using power tools such as a power saw and drill. They may also be
required to carry heavy bags of concrete on a regular basis.

Scenario #2: Scaffold Erection

Scaffold building/erecting is used to provide temporary work platforms for workers to build, repair, or clean
hard to reach areas in construction. Scaffold builders are responsible for assembling and dismantling these
temporary structures. The tasks scaffold builders must perform include fit steel pipes together, support braces
and clamps to form the base of the scaffold, lifting, positioning, and bolting pipes together, and placing planks
over horizontal bars to create the platforms. Putting together the base of the scaffold requires kneeling and
bending down to build the scaffold from the ground up. Lifting, positioning, and bolting steel pipes together
may require performing work overhead putting pressure on the shoulders and neck. A competent person must
inspect each scaffold for visible defects prior to each work shift.

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Answer the following questions for each scenario:

1. What is the repetitive task(s) the worker performs that causes ergonomic issues?
2. What awkward posture(s) and/or other movements is the worker subjected to?
3. What body part(s) are affected by these actions and what health problems may occur?
4. Provide at least two suggestions for the workers handling the job so they can minimize ergonomic
hazards.

Scenario #1: Concrete Worker

1.

2.

3.

4.

Scenario #2: Scaffold Erection

1.

2.

3.

4.

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Module 2: Solutions to Ergonomic Hazards

Key Takeaways:

1)

2)

3)

4)

Quick Review:

1. Which of the following has only limited effectiveness when dealing with
ergonomic hazards?
Engineering Administrative Work practice Using personal
control control controls protective
strategies strategies equipment

2. Which of the following is considered an ergonomic administrative control?

A grinder Job rotation Don’t provide Allow employees to

with two and job recovery time perform “problem
handles enlargement jobs” as long as
they want
3. Back belts are considered personal protective equipment and may be used with
personal fall arrest systems (PFAS).

True False

NOTES:__________________________________________________________________________________
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Lesson 2.24: Safe Lifting Techniques

Instructions: The images below show safe lifting techniques. The table below the image
provides tips to protect your back when you need to lift heavy objects.

Below are some tips that can help protect your back when you need to lift heavy objects:
• Try the load out first. If it is too bulky or heavy, get help.
• Avoid lifts that require stretching or bending to reach the load. Redesign the work area so objects you
lift are close to the body and at waist height.
• Don’t lift awkward objects such as long pipes or large boxes by yourself. Get help or use mechanical
assists.
• When lifting, keep your back straight and lift with your legs.

• Lift slowly and carefully and don’t jerk the load around.

• Keep the load as close to your body as possible while lifting it.

• Don’t twist or turn your spine while carrying the load.

• Make sure your path is clear while carrying the object. Remove obstacles that could cause you to trip.

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Quick Review Answer Key

Module 1: Ergonomic Risk Factors

1. 35
2. During the middle of the lift
3. Epicondylitis

Module 2: Solutions to Ergonomic Hazards

1. Using personal protective equipment

2. Job rotation and job enlargement
3. False

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Notepad

10
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